Laundry apparatus



Jan. 3l, 1967 T` R, sMlTH 3,301,024

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed July l2, 1965 fgfff4 6 Sheets-Sheet l 72/0MA5IQ. LSMI 7W 46 f/vr Jan. 3l, 1967 i T. R. sMn-H 3,301,024

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed July l2, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 31, 1967 T.R. SMITH 3,301,024

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed July l2, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 AGE/V 7- Jan. 3l,1967 T. R. SMITH 3,301,024

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed July l2, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 MMM A65/v r Jan.31, 1967 T. R. SMITH 3,301,024

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed July 12, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 2 l 525 29/ 294305 307 303| un j Y 306 302 l 1 50o! MC. Il

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United States Patent 3,301,024 LAUNDRY APPARATUS Thomas R. Smith,Newton, Iowa, assigner to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, acorporation of Delaware Filed July 12, 1965, Ser. No. 471,346 12 Claims.(Cl. 68-12) This invention relates to an improved laundry apparatusincorporating means for driving a revoluble fabric container at aplurality of speeds and further including improved controls and mode ofoperation for effectively and efficiently washing and drying fabrics.

The provision of a laundry apparatus operable for washing and dryingfabrics in the same container requires consideration of many factors.The unit should be fully operable for automatic sequencing through acycle of operations to provide a complete fabric treatment from theplacement of soiled fabrics in the container to the removal of clean dryfabrics at the end of the cycle without intermediate attention of theoperator. A drive system should be devised which is operable forproviding at least three speeds of operation as best suited to providewash, distribution, and extraction operations. The unit should beefficient in operation and should operate with a high degree ofreliability and not require frequent service calls to adjust or makeoperable. Further, the unit should be perable in a quiet andvibration-free manner.

It is, there-fore, an object of the present invention to provide animproved laundry apparatus capable of performing a complete laundryoperation including washing and drying. v

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improvedcombination washer-drier operable through a washing operation havingtumble, distribution, and extraction :portions vfollowed by a tumble dryoperation for achieving an improved fabric treatment including drying toa preselected condition of fabric dryness without intermediate attentionby the operator.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved drivesystem for a laundry apparatus operable for driving the fabric containerat at least three output speeds including tumble, distribution, andextraction while also driving pump and blower means.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedcombination washer-dryer operable through a washing operation includingtumble, extraction, and tumble dry portions and further including aportion for avoiding adhesion of fabrics to the container wall.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide animproved combination washer-dryer operable through a washing operationhaving tumble, extraction, and tumble dry portions and which isoperative for substantially eliminating adhesion of fabrics to thecontainer wall but as a safeguard is further operative for terminatingthe drying operation if abnormal loads remain adhered upon initiation ofthe drying operation. l

The present invention achieves the above objects in a combinationwasher-drier unit having a drive system including two electric motorswhich are drivingly connectable to a revoluble fabric container by apairof selectively engageable drive paths. The rst motor is operable fordriving a fabric container at either a tumble speed through pulsingenergization of the motor or at a distribution speed through steadyenergization of the motor at its higher speed. The rst motor isconnected to the fabric container through an overrunning clutchassociated with the second motor. The second motor is energizable fordriving the fabric container at a relatively high extraction speed. Thecombination washer-drier is equipped with sequence control means forautomatically controlling the machine through a complete cycle ofoperations inice cluding a washing operation and a drying operation.Means are provided for obtaining even distribution of materials withinthe fabric container and for preventing adhesion of the fabrics to thecontainer following termination of the extraction operation. Automatictermination means are provided for controlling the drying operation soas to interrupt energization of the fabric treating apparatus at theproper condition of dryness of the fabrics being treated.

Operation of the device and further objects and advantages thereof willbecome evident as the description proceeds and from an examination ofthe accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of theinvention and in which similar numerals refer to similar partsthroughout the several views, wherein;

FIGURE 1 is a front view of a combination washerdrier having a lowerportion of the cabinet removed t0 expose the tub supporting means andthe unbalance control system;

FIGURE 2 is a re-ar view of the combination washerdrier of FIGURE l withthe cabinet back removed to show the drive system of the presentinvention;

FIGURE 3 is shown below FIGURE l and is an enlarged sectional viewshowing a portion of the supporting means for the drum as taken alonglines 3 3 of FIG- URE l;

FIGURE 4 is a side view showing a portion of the drive system of thepresent invention and further including a fragmentary section viewshowing the drum and hub structure of the combination washer-drier;

FIGURE 5 is a side view of the combination washerdrier with the cabinetside panel removed for showing a portion of the drive system and theunbalance control system of the present invention;

FIGURE 6 is shown beside FIGURE 4 and is an enlarged fragmentary viewshowing the details of mounting of one of the motors of the drive systemof the present invention as taken along lines 6-6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is shown below FIGURE 9 and is an enlarged fragmentary viewshowing the overrunning clutch g device for the drive system of theinstant invention;

FIGURE 8 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the circuit for thecombination washer-drier embodying the present invention; and,

FIGURE 9 is a chart showing the sequential operation of the switchescomprising the sequential control for the combination embodying theinstant invention.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings in detail, it will be seenthat the combination washer-drier unit shown in these drawings includesa substantially ilat surfaced base frame 10 mounted on legs 11. Mountedupon base frame 1t) are a pair of support members 13 and 14 which arewelded, or securely ailixed in some suitable manner, to the base frame10 to form the two major supports for the washer-drier unit illustratedin the accompanying figures.

As apparent from an inspection of FIGURES l through 5, support members13 and 14 have a channel cross section and substantially triangularelevational configuration with the apex of these members receiving pivotpins 16 and 17. Pivot pins 16 and 17 are journalled in the flangedbearing sleeves 18 and 19 and form a two-point support for the tubbrackets 21 and 22, respectively. This a1- ]ows the tub or casing, whichis generally indicated by thearrow 24, and which is fastened to brackets21 and 22,

` to oscillate back and forth on pins 16 and 17 in an arcuate lof whichis connected between base 10 and tub 24 by the spring Lanchor brackets26 `and 27 fastened to the base and tub 24, respectively. FIGURES 1 and5 show the tub 24 as being provided with a tub damper bracket 28 whichfforms the support for the damper leaf spring 29 carrying the damper pad31 in a ball and socket joint at the end of damper spring 29. Base frame10 is provided with an upstanding damper plate 32 which is `frictionallyengaged by t-he damper pad 31. The energy imparted to tub 24, which inturn causes tub 24 to oscillate `on the supporting pivot pins 16 and 17,is absorbed and dissipated by the relatively movable, frictionallyengaged, damper pad 31 and damper plate 32.

While the rear channel member 13 actually receives and supports directlythe rear pivot pin 16, inspection of FIGURE 3 indicates that the same isnot true as to the connection between yfront channel 14 and the frontpivot pin 17. The cross sectional view of FIGURE 3 shows that the frontpivot pin 17 is actually suspended in a oating pivot in front channelmember 14 and, in practice, has a clearance of approximately 1/16 of aninch from the closest point of the clearance holes in the upstandinglegs and 33 of channel 14. The `front end of tub 24 is supported on thefront tub bracket 22, which is mounted on the front bearing sleeve 19,which is in turn carried on the front pivot pin 17. Pivot pin 17 issupported by a lever arm 34 nested within front channel 14 and supportedon the pivot pin 35 penetrating channel member 14.

Three forces acting on lever arm 34 establish a condition of equilibriumabout pin 35 in order to produce the described oating pivot about `frontpivot pin 17. With reference to FIGURE 1, the rst of these three forcesis applied upwardly through the supporting foot 37 located at the end ofarm 34. T-he weight of tub 24 and the parts supported by that tubprovide the second force which is Vapplied directly to lever arm 34through pin 17. The third force acting upon member 34 is exerted by alea-f spring 38 which is inserted into an opening of lever arm 34 so asto form an extension of the latter member. Adjusting means, such asmachine screw 40 which is attached between base frame 10 and the end oflea-f spring extension 38, provide means lfor varying the `force exerteddownwardly on leaf spring 38. It lmay [also be seen that movement of thefront pivot pin 17 caused by movement of the front end of tub 24 in turncauses pivotal movement of lever arm 34 about pivot pin 35.

Lever arm 34 supports lever member 41 on pivot pin 42 with lever member41 positioned so as to be pivotally responsive to actuation by plungermember 45 lwhich depends `from a bracket 44 attached to tub 24. It istherefore seen that arcuate movement of tub 24 about its supporting pins16 and 17 will cause plunger 45 to engage lever 41 and move it in aclockwise direction about its pivot -pin 42. Likewise, an upwardmovement of the left end of lever 34 will `lift lever 41 upwardly.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, a mounting bracket is shown attached to baselframe 10 `for supporting, at pivot point 49, a lever 51 which carries aplunger 52 at one end thereof and a switch at the other end thereof.Also fixed to bracket 50 is a timing motor 60 which drives a star wheel62.

Upon movement of lever 41, as previously explained, plunger 52 is movedupwardly to pivot lever 51 in a counterclockwise direction about pivotpoint 49 to move switch 55 downwardly away from star wheel 62 so as toallow switch 55 to operate for energizing timing motor by a circuit aswill be described more Ifully hereinafter. Timing mot-or 60 remainsenergized until decreased tub movement allows spring 63 to return lever51 to its normal position and until star wheel 62 `is driven to theposition at which it again actuates switch 55 to the closed position.From the above description, it may be understood that whenever anunbalance load condition exists within tub 24 the imbalance sensingmechanism will be actuated by either an arcuate movement of tub 24 or ia small substantially vertical movement of the front end of tub 24 toeffect a change in the condition of ener-gization of the washer-driercombination unit as will be more fully described hereinafter.

Tub or casing 24 includes a generally cylindrical side wall 71, a pairof spaced rear walls 72 and 73, `and a front wall 74. The front andouter rear w-alls 74 and 72, respectively, are connected to cylindricalside wall 71 by means of the encompassing flanged hoop-like members 76while the partition wall 73 positioned `between walls 72 and 74 issecured, as by welding, to side wall 71. It will be seen Ifrom `aninspection of FIGURE 4 that the spaced rear walls 72 and 73 support thetub bearing assembly generally indicated by the Areference numeral 80.

The bearing assembly 80 includes a spacer hub 81 which is locatedbetween and which abuts the rear walls 72 and 73, and a tubular clampmember 82 located concentrically within hub 81. Clamp member 82 isformed with a shoulder 85 iat one end thereof and has a threaded portion84 at the other end thereof for receiving clamp nut 83 which, whentightened on member 82, produces a rigid support with respect to tub 24for two bearings (not shown), one of which is located adjacent each ofwalls 72 and 73 within hub 81 4for supporting drive shaft 89.

The rear end of drive shaft 89 is rigidly connected to the large drivepulley 91 whereas its front end is threaded into hub 94 of the fabriccontainer 95. Container 95 includes a perforate rear wall 96 which isrigidly affixed to and cooperates with spider-like member 97 to -forrn adouble cone support connected to the hub 94 and providing a rigidsupport for t-he fabric container on drive shaft 89. A sealing member101 is biased against the rear surface of this revoluble hub structure94 to prevent water from tub 24 from entering bearing assembly 80.

As 'apparent from FIGURE 4, container 95 also includes .a perforatecylindrical side wall 104 carrying clothes elevating vanes 105. Sidewall 104 merges into the short front wall 106 and joins tanged rear wall96 4in an overlapping relationship to form a protruding flange 108which, while not touching wall 73, cooperates with that wall 73 to 4forman effective air barrier to prevent the short circuiting of heated airaround the rear peripheral edge of container 95.

Tub 24 also includes a circular loading opening 117 which is encircledby one end of the bellows seal 118 which has its opposite end yfastenedto a similar opening formed in the cabinet 119. Sealing member 118includes a number of convolutions 120 permitting movement of tub 24relative to cabinet 119. A rectangular door 121 hinged on cabinet 119carries a transparent gl-ass Window 122 having a cylindrical portionextending rearwardly through the bellows seal 118 which is provided witha flexible annular sealing lip 124 engageable with the perip-hery of theglass window 122. This arrangement seals the unit while enabling theoperator of the machine to observe operations taking place within tub 24during the washing `and drying processes. Lamp 126, fastened to theexterior of tub 24, shines through a transparent member 127 carried inthe front wall 74 of tub 24 for illuminating the interior of thecontainer as during the loading or unloading operations thereof.

Tub 24 also includes a 4heater housing 131 which may be 'formedseparately or as a part of the tub wall 71 and which supports a heatingelement (not shown) capable of radiating heat energy into tub 24 throughfan opening located in the cylindrical tub wall 71 and covered by theheater housing 131. Heater housing 131 also mounts a thermostat 133which is connected in series with the heater.

A combination vblower-condenser unit capable of moving air through tub24, scrubbing lint from this air, and condensing out the moisture fromhot vapors formed within the tub 24 during the drying operation, ispositioned within the compartment formed by and between portions of thespaced walls 72 and 73. The compartment for the blower-condenser unit isproduced by cooperation of walls 72 and 73 with an imperforatescrollshaped side Iwall 136, shown by dotted lines in FIGURE 2 and whichbridges the space between walls 72 and 73, t-o enclose the vaporcondenser and blower unit.

Water for the condensing operation is directed onto the impeller which,though not shown, is positioned behind plate 138 and is driven by blowerpulley 139. Plate 138 is bolted to the rear wall 72 of tub 24 andprovides Iconvenient access to the blower housing. The action of therotating impeller upon the stream of water produces a cool mist spray orfog for condensing out moisture from hot vapors entering theblower-condenser unit during the drying operation. Water for the vaporcondensing process is supplied through the external conduit 141 and isdirected into the blower-condenser compartment by a conduit (not shown)connected between the cylindrical side wall 71 and the scroll-shapedwall member 136. Vapor laden air is moved from the interior of tub 24 bythe action of the impeller and is moved through the blower-condensercompartment before being directed again toward the heater compartment orvented to the atmosphere.

More specific details of construction of this blowercondenser unit, andalso of the aforementioned bearing assembly 813, may be found in U.S.Patent 2,986,917 issued to H. R. Smith on June 6, 1961 and assigned tothe assignee of the instant invention.

Water for the washing operation is supplied through inlet 143 whichdirects fluid through conduit 144 into the interior of tub 24. Conduit144 includes a trap portion 145 which prevents suds from escaping fromtub 24 during the washing operation and prevents steam vapors fromescaping from tub 24 during this drying operation. Inlet 143 isconnected to a water valve 142 by a conduit (not shown).

Referring now to FIGURE 4, tub 24 includes a lower recessed portionwhich forms a sump 149 communicating with the drain pump 150. Positionedin sump 149 is a perforate tray 151 for preventing foreign particles,which have passed through the perforate drum 95 into tub 24, fromentering and damaging pump 150. Tray 151 is removable from its positionthrough the drum access door 152 provided in the side wall 1114.

Sump 149 receives the washing fluids discharged into casing 24 and alsoreceives from the blower-condenser compartment the condensing fluid andthe condensate and line removed from the air entering theblowercondenser unit. The fluids and lint entering sump 149 aredischarged through pump 151) to an external drain (not shown). A valve154, controlled by solenoid 155, is positioned between pump 150 and theexternal drain to control the periods of time during which fluids aredischarged to the external drain. Pump 150 is driven during washingoperations by a pulley at 156; however, solenoid 155 is de-energizedduring the washing operations to maintain valve 154 closed and fluidswithin the tub 24.

Power to rotate container 95 is supplied by a drive system whichincludes a two-speed motor 160, a second motor 161, an overrunningclutch device 164, and belt transmission means including belts 165 and166. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, this drive systern isoperable for providing a plurality of speeds of operation of thecontainer 95 so as to achieve an optimum fabric treatment cycle.Specifically, this drive system is operable for providing a relativelyslow tumble speed for accomplishing the washing action, a distributionispeed for effecting arrangement of the fabrics in a substantially evenpattern around the inner periphery of the container and becomingplastered thereto, and a relatively high speed spin for accomplishingfluid extraction.

Two-speed motor 160 includes a four-pole winding and a six-pole windingfor operation of motor 160 at 1725 and 1150 r.p.m., respectively. Themotor is further 6 identied as a split-phase, unidirectional,fractionalhorsepower motor of the type commonly used on laundryappliances.

As best shown in FIGURE 4, motor is provided with shaft extensions atboth ends for driving a plurality of components included in thecombination washer-drier of the instant invention. Shaft extension 169which extends from the left end of motor 160, as viewed in FIGURE 4,supports a pulley 170 which is drivingly coupled by belt 171 to pulley156 for driving pump 150. 4Pump 150 will therefore be driven during eachperiod of operation of motor 160 but will be operative for pumping fluidfrom tub 24 only during those periods when solenoid 155 is energized foropening valve 154.

Belt 171 is a round stretch belt and may be formed of a polyurethanematerial so as to possess the necessary characteristics for adjusting tovariations in pulley center distances as will be more fully explainedhereinafter.

Shaft extension 174 extending from the right end of motor 160, as viewedin FIGURE 4, carries pulleys 175 and 176 iixedly mounted thereon. Asbest shown in FIGURE 2, pulley 175 drives belt 165 which is drivinglyconnected to clutch device 164. Pulley 176 is drivingly engaged by belt179 which in turn engages blower pulley 139. Belt 179 is assembledbetween pulleys 176 and 139 in a crossed pattern so as to operate blowerimpeller (not shown) in a direction opposite to that of motor 160.

Motor 160 is adjustably and pivotally mounted on tub 24 so as to providefor proper belt tensions in belts 179 and 165. As best seen in FIGURES 4and 6, motor 160 is secured at a mounting ring 180 at each end thereofto an inverted U-shaped bracket 181 by a pair of adjustable clamps 184.U-shaped bracket 181 is formed with a pair of upturned tabs 191 forreceiving pivot pin 194. Pivot pin 194 is supported by flange 195 ofadjustable bracket 186. Bracket 186 is provided with a pluarility ofslots 189 which receive screw members 190 for attaching bracket 186 tobrackets 135 which are in turn secured -to tub wall 71. Means arethereby provided for adjustably supporting motor bracket 186 to allowpositioning of motor 160 along an arcuate path consisting ofsubstantially vertically related positions. Tabs 191 are formed withsubstantially triangularly-shaped pivot holes for receiving pivot pin194. This pivot hole is effective for reducing vibration resulting fromintermittent opera-v tion of motor 160 as will be more fully definedhereinafter.

Motor 160 is biased in a clockwise direction about pivot pin 194 by acoil spring 196 connected between motor bracket 181 and bracket 199which is in turn xed to the outer wall 71 of tub member 24. Though notspecifically shown, bracket 199 is provided with a plurality of notchesto facilitate the proper tensioning of spring 196.

The second motor 161 included in the drive system of the preferredembodiment of the instant invention is a single-speed, unidirectional,split-phase motor of the fractional-horsepower type commonly used inlaundry appliances. This motor 161 is also adjustably and pivotallysupported relative to drum or tub member 24. A generally U-shapedbracket 200, similar to bracket 181, is secured to a pair of clampingrings 201 at the ends of motor 161 by the adjustable clamps 264. Bracket200 is pivotally supported by a bracket 205 having depending arms 266which receive a pivot pin 209 for thereby pivotably supporting aU-shaped bracket 200.

Attached to bracket 200 is a pivot arm 210 which pivots with bracket26N) around pivot pin 209. Spring 211 is connected between the end ofpivot arm 210 and bracket 213, which is attached to wall 71 of tub 24,for biasing motor 161 in a clockwise direction about pivot pin 209 tomaintain proper tension on belt 166 as will be lmore fully describedhereinafter. Bracket 213 includes a plurality of notches so as toprovide means for increasing or decreasing the tension on spring 211 tomaintain the proper positioning of motor 161 for controlling belttension.

Mounted on shaft 214 of motor 161 is an overrunning clutch devicegenerally indicated by numeral 164. Clutch device 164 includes a firstpulley member 215 ywhich is rotatably mounted upon shaft 214 and whichis driven by belt 165. A second pulley 216 is mounted on shaft 214 forrotation therewith. Means are provided for normally effectingengagement'between pulley 215 and pulley 216 so as to effect rotation ofpulley 216 at the same speed as pulley ymember 215. Formed as a part ofpulley 215 is an upstanding lug 219 which is engageable with a pawlmember 220 pivotally supported by pulley member 216 through pivot pin221. Pawl 220 is biased in a counterclockwise direction about pivot pin221 by spring 224 to maintain pawl 220 engaged with lug 219.

It may thus be seen that rotation of pulley 215 in a clockwisedirection, as viewed in FIGURE 7, will effect rotation of pulley 216through engagement of lug 219 with pawl 220.

As previously indicated pulley 216 is xed to shaft 214 for rotationtherewith. It has also been indicated that motor 161 is operable at aspeed in excess of that of pulley 215. Thus upon energization of motor161, pulley 216 will rotate at a speed in excess of that of pulley 215.This overrunning operation will cause lug 219 to become drivinglydisengaged and to fall behind pawl 220. As lug 219 -falls behind pawl220, cam surface 222 moves pawl 220, `for example, will have increasedto a level at ally outward positions, the centrifugal force racting uponpawl 20, yfor example, will have increased to a level at which thebiasing force of spring 224 will be overcome whereby pawl 220 will pivotin a clockwise direction about pivot pin 221 and assume a fullydisengaged position as indicated by broken line 225 to effect a fullydisengaged overrunning condition for clutch device 164.

Keeping in mind the overrunning clutch device of FIGURE 7, the drivesystem of the instant invention is best shown in FIGURE 2 and isbasically a belt drive transmission having a pair yof alternate drivepaths. The first path includes a two-stage speed reduction obtainedthrough pulleys 175 to 215 and 216 to 91 driven by motor 160 andincluding the overrunning clutch device 164 for providing at least onerelatively slow speed of operation. The second drive path includes lasecond motor 161 which is operable for driving the second pulley 216directly and bypassing clutch device 164 for driving pulley 91 throughbelt 166 at a substantially higher speed.

Means are included in this belt transmission drive system formaintaining proper tension in each of the belts. The adjustable andpivotable mounting of motor 161) provides means `for maintaining properbelt tension in blower belt 179 and drive belt 165. As best seen inFIGURE 2, 4 and 6, the adjustable feature of bracket 186 provides meansfor increasing or decreasing the centerline distance between the blowerpulley 139 and pulley 176 while effecting little change in the centerdistance between pulleys 175 and 215. The adjustable spring biasingfeature of the pivotable motor mount provides means for adjusting the`biasing of motor 160` around pivot pin 194 to maintain proper belttension on drive belt 165. It is further noted that changes in thepositioning of motor 160 will etect a change in the center distancesbetween pulley 170 and 156 for driving pump 150. For this reason, astretch belt 171 may be provided to compensate for the variations incenter distances.

As previously indicated, spring means 211 provides means for biasingmotor 161 in a clockwise direction about pivot point 209 to maintainproper belt tension on drive belt 166.

The previous description indicates that two speeds of operation may bedirectly provided by the drive system of the instant invention. A firstspeed may be obtained through the following drive path: motor 160energized in its four-pole windings, a first speed reduction betweenpulleys 175 and 215, pulley 216 driven by pulley 215 through lug 219 andpawl 220, and a second speed reduction between pulleys 216 and 91. Thisdrive path is operable for transmitting the torque of motor 160 tocontainer and for reducing the speed from a previously indicated motorspeed of 1725 r.p.m. to a desired container speed of 60 r.p.m.

A second speed may be obtained by selectively energizing motor 161 fordriving pulley 216 at a higher speed than that of pulley 215 to rotatebasket 96 at a relatively high extraction speed through the single speedreduction between pulley 216 and 91. With motor 161 operating at 1725r.p.m., container 95 will be driven by pulley 91 at a speed ofapproximately 300 r.p.m.

The third speed, which in this embodiment may be a relatively slow speedfor achieving a tumble washing action, may be obtained by cyclicallyenergizing motor -for predetermined periods of time in each of the fouror six-pole windings to obtain a speed of operation relatively slowerthan that achieved by steady energization on the four-pole winding. Thispulsing of motor `160 for predetermined time peri-ods may be controlledto provide a relatively constant speed tumble action or may be spaced soas to provide a varying speed tumble action within the speed range of 40to 60 r.p.m. as will be mo-re fully described hereinafter.

It is also contemplated and within the scope of the instant invention touse a `single speed motor instead of the two speed motor 160. The singlespeed motor might then be pulsed, or alternately energized anddeenergized, for predetermined periods of time to effect accelerationand deceleration to provide a tumble speed.

Means other than the pulsing of motor 160 for obtaining another speedwhich is relatively close to a tirst speed are also available. A split,variable pulley with associated shifting means, for example, could alsobe used. In addition, a double grooved pulley with a belt shift devicecould be used.

Referring now to FIGURE 8, an electrical schematic diagram sho-ws thecomponents and circuitry included in the preferred embodiment of theinstant invention.

Provided across power lines L1 and L2 is conventional 220 volt 60 cyclealternating current with 110 volt 60 cycle alternating current availableacross power lines L1 and N.

Basic to the electrical circuit of FIGURE 8 are groupings of manuallyoperable switches including switches 228 and 229, 230 and 231, 232, and233 through 237 which are operable prior to initiation of the cycle ofoperations for selecting and establishing such variables as watertemperatures, drying temperatures, and cycle termination points. Uponselection of the variables and initiation of the desired cycle ofoperations, operation of the washerdrier combination unit is controlledby a sequence control mechanism which includes a timing motor 239 foradvancing a plurality of cams, or other switch operating means asrepresented by cam 240. These cams are operable for sequentiallyoperating a group of switches through a programmed series of operationscomprising a washing and drying operation. The switches of thesequential timing device are represented in -the electrical circuit ofFIG- URE 8 by the group of contacts 243 through 273 which operate inpairs between the open and closed positions under the control of one ofthe cam members, such as cam 240, to energize and deenergize the variouselectrical components of the circuit of FIGURE 8.

Referring to FIGURE 9 there is shown a chart in which the abovereferenced contacts 243 through 273 are listed as cooperating pairs andin which shaded portions indicate that portion of the cycle during whicheach pair is closed. The sequential control mechanism is operablethrough a cycle including 60 increments having a six degree spacing andone minute duration. FIGURE 9 also shows a specic series of operationscorresponding to the switching as shown by the shaded portions therein.

It is believed that the electrical circuit of FIGURE 8 is best describedby explaining operation of the device through the complete cycle ofoperations as shown in FIGURE 9. The operator may establish and/rinitiate a specific series of operations by closing selected switches ofthe group 228 through 237. If, for example, a full cycle wash and aregular automatic `dry operation is desired switches 228, 229, 230, 231,233, and 237 will be closed. These may be individually operable switchesbut are preferably linked so that only one or two buttons, or othermanually operable members having appropriate identifying indicia, areactuated to thereby operate the required switches to the closedposition. Other preselectable alternate series of operations orvariations include the following: a damp dry operation may be combinedwith a regular wash operation if switch 228 is not closed; a wash anddry operation for delicate fabrics may be 0btained by allowing switch229 to remain open to provide a. lower temperature dry operation; a washonly operation is obtained if switch 230 is maintained in the openposition; if heat is -not desired in the final spin, as with delicate orbright colors, switch 231 is not closed. Other combinations of switches233 through 237 may be closed to provide the desired wash and rinsewater ternperatures.

Following selection of the desired cycle or series of operations, theoperator will initiate energization of the machine by operating switch279 and closing door 121 to operate door switch 280 to contact 281. Themachine will commence to lill with washing Huid by a circuit fromconductor L1 through timer contacts 250, 251, and through conductor 284to pressure responsive switch 285. Hot water solenoid 286 of fil-l valve142 will be energized from pressure switch 285 through contact 313,conductor 289, switch 237, timer contacts 272, 273, and conductor 290 tocontact 281 of door operated switch 280, which in turn is connected toline N.

Motor 160 will also be energized to provide a tumbling speed forachieving a washing action. The circuit for energizing the motorincludes power line L1, timer contacts 250, 251, conductors 284, 292,and 291. Conductor 291 is in turn connected to pulsing switch 294. Anauxiliary timing motor 295 is energizable between conductor 292 andconductor 290 through timer contacts 245, 246 to rotate cam member 296for operating switch member 294.

Motor 160 includes start windings 301 in series with centrifugal startswitch 299, six-pole run winding 302 in series with normally open switch300, and four-pole run winding 303. Centrifugal switch 299 is operableto an open position at a predetermined speed of operation of motor 160and is linked to switch 300 so as to operate switch 300 from contact 306to Contact 307 at that predetermined speed.

After acceleration of motor 160 to the predetermined switching speed atwhich switch 299 operates to the open position and switch 300 operatesto close to contact 307 motor 160 becomes responsive to cyclic operationof switch 294 between contacts 304 and 305. Throughout the tumbleoperation, auxiliary timing motor 295 remains energized for cyclingswitch 294 between contacts 304 and 305 at predetermined time intervalsfor alternately energizing four-pole winding 303 and six-pole winding302. Energization of four-pole run winding 303 for a period ofapproximately two seconds will allow motor 160 to accelerate undernormal operating conditions to its higher operating speed of 1725revolutions per minute and allow operation at that speed for a shortperiod of time. This motor speed corresponds to a container speed ofapproximately 60 revolutions per minute. Upon movement of switch 294 tocontact 304 and energization of sixpole run winding 302, motor 160 willdecelerate under the loading of -container 95 and the material containedtherein. Switch 294 is made to contact 304 for approximately threeseconds, for example, to effect deceleration of motor 160 toapproximately 1150 revolutions per min- 1nte. The three second period oftime is normally sufficient to allow the motor to operate at this lowerspeed for a short period of time for `driving container at a belownormal tumble speed of approximately 40 revolutions per minute.

For a more specic and detailed explanation of this pulsing of atwo-speed motor to obtain an intermediate operational speed, attentionis directed to United States Letters Patent No. 3,172,277, issued March9, 1965 to Charles W. Burkland and assigned to the same assignee as theinstant invention.

Following completion of the washing operation, drain solenoid isenergized between conductors 284 and 290 through timer contacts 243, 244to permit draining and pumping of washing fluids from tub 24. Thetumbling and draining operation may continue while warm water fillsolenoid 311 is energized through switch 233 and timer contacts 270, 271to provide a spray rinse for dispelling any remaining suds within fabriccontainer 95.

With basket 95 continuing to operate under the control of the pulsingswitch 294 and pulsing motor 295 and with fill solenoid 311 remainingenergized, timer contacts 243, 244 are opened to deenergize drainsolenoid 155 for filling tub 24 to provide water for rinsing the fabricsbeing washed. Following an increment of tumbling for rinsing fabricswithin basket 95, drain solenoid 155 is again energized for removingfluids from tub 24. During this fluid draining period, timer contact 246is opened at contact 245 and closed to contact 247. With auxiliarytiming motor 295 energized through pulsing switch 294 made to contact304, cam 296 will be advanced only to the position at which switch 294is operated from contact 304 to contact 305. Upon operation of switch294 to contact 305, timing motor 295 will be de-energized and four-polerun winding 303 will be energized. The steady energization of four-polerun winding 303 will accelerate basket 95 to the four-pole operatingspeed corresponding to a container speed of approximately 60 r.p.m. fordistributing fabrics around the inner periphery of container 95 in asubstantially balanced pattern.

After approximately one minute for draining the fluids and distributingthe fabrics, timer contacts 261, 262 are closed to initiate alcentrifugal extraction operation to remove retained fluids from thefabrics within container 95. A circuit is completed to run windings 315of motor 161 from power line L1 through timer contacts 250, 251, line284, pressure switch 285 made to contact 313, line 314, timer contacts261, 262, and conductor 316 to start relay coil 319. The circuitcontinues through start relay coil 319, run windings 315, normallyclosed unbalance switch 320 made to contact 321, and through conductor324 and centrifugal switch 325 to line 290. Centrifugal switch 325 isresponsive to operation of motor and is placed in this circuit to insurethat motor 161 does not operate unless motor 160 is operating at speedsabove that predetermined speed at which start winding 301 isdeenergized. Completion of this circuit through relay coil 319 effectsoperation of switch member 326 from contact 329 to contact 330 forenergizing start windings 331 through capacitor 332. At a predeterminedcurrent level through relay coil 319, which is achieved at asubstantially less than normal operating speed for motor 161, switchmember 326 will open at contact 330 and close to contact 329 forde-energizing start winding 331.

If an unbalance Acondition should occur during the extraction operation,the unbalance system, -as previously described, would be actuated byplunger 45 to thereby operate switch 320 from contact 321 to contact334, Motor 161 would thereby ,be de-energized to effect a decrease inspeed of container 95. Auxiliary timing motor 60 is energized to advancestart wheel 62 so that yafter a predetermined time the delay switch 320will be operated from contact 334 to contact 321 for de-energizingauxiliary motor 60 and reenergizing spin motor 161. This time delay maybe of sufficiently long duration to allow the container speed todecrease to distribution or may be -of sufficiently short duration to-allow only a small decrease in velocity so that as high a speed aspossible is maintained.

Following completion of the above described spin operation, which mayhave a duration of approximately one minute, the cycle of operations mayinclude at least one repeat of the ll, tumble rinse, iiuid draining,fabric distributing, and centrifugal extraction operations. During thisportion of the series of operations, means may also be provided todispense various fiuid conditioners into the machine which in thispreferred embodiment would include a conditioner dispenser solenoid 335energized through timer contacts 265, 266 between power -lines L1 and N.

Instead of proceeding immediately into a fluid extraction `operationfollowing the final rinse operation, an improved antiadhesion operationincluding a spin impulse and a tumble impulse is provided to facilitatethe release of fabrics from the inner wall of container 95 uponcornrpletion of the fluid extraction oper-ation.

It has been found that when materials are evenly distributed around theinner periphery of the container and then submitted to high speedextraction for removing large quantities of fluids, the materials tendto stick to the walls of the container even after it has stopped orreturned to tumble speed. To prevent this undesirable characteristic,which becomes more pronounced when a distribution operation is provided,an improved sequence of operations is instituted following the finalrinse and drain operations, such as beginning in increment 33 of FIGURE9. This procedure includes a short-duration, relatively high speed, spinimpulse for removing substantial, but limited, quantities of fluids fromfabrics.

As previously shown, motor 160 is operating to drive container 95 at `adistribution velocity of approximately 60 r.p.m.; centrifugal switch 325is thus in the closed position so that motor 161 is energizable for aspin operation. During the increment in which the spin impulse isdesired, a subinterval switching mechanism, which is not specificallyshown, but which is commercially available in sequence controlmechanisms such as that driven by timing motor 239, is operative foractuating switch 336 to close contact pairs 339 and 340 for a momentaryperiod of time. In this embodiment, contact pairs 339 and 340 are closedlfor approximately two seconds of the total in- -crement time of oneminute. During this increment, timer contacts 258, 259 and timercontacts 256, 257 are closed to effect energization of spin motor 161upon closing of contact pairs 339 and 340 by a circuit as follows: powerline L1 through contact pairs 339 and 340, through timer contacts 258,259, and through relay coil 319 to energize run winding 315. Uponenergization of relay coil 319, starting switch 326 will close tocontact 33t) for energizing start -winding 331. Since contact pairs 339and 340 remain closed for only approximately two seconds, run winding315 will 'be maintained energized for the balance of the spin impulsethrough conductor 341, switch 326 and timer contacts 256, 257. Startwinding 331 is also energized through switch 326 made to contact 330.

It may therefore be seen that when motor 161 reaches a speed at whichthe current through relay -coil 319 is insufficient to maintain switch326 closed to contact 330, relay coil 319 will be deenergized forallowing switch 326 to close to contact 329 and for deenergizing motor161. This switching speed occurs at approximately 1350 r.p.m. andcorresponds to a basket speed of approximately 250 r.p.m. It is notedthat the basket does not reach top speed; however, the speed andduration of the spin is sufficient to insure that a large portion of thewater is removed from the materials contained therein but limited to anamount lwhich Iwill avoid tightly plastering the materials to the innerwall of the container.

Following this spin impulse, the container returns to distribution speedfor the remainder of the instant increment. The motor 160 is thendeenergized to allow the container to come to a rest for one incrementof timer advance and thereby allow the materials to fall free of thewalls. During that increment of rest, however, means are provided formomentarilyenergizing motor 160 to rotate container at least a portionof a revolution for providing an additional rest position to assist inremoving the materials from the periphery of the basket and al-lowingthem to fall free of their own weight. Motor is energized by a circuitfrom power line L1 through pulsing switch 336, timer contacts 259, 260,conductor 284, conductors 292 `and 291 to pulsing switch 294. Mot-0r 160is energized for a momentary period of time, such as the two secondperiod of time during which contact pairs 339 and 340 are closed.

It may therefore be seen that following the first spin impulse, at whichtime the container is allowed to come to a rest, the container will beoriented in a first position to allow fabrics which remain in the upperportion of the container to fall toward the bottom of the container.With a high degree of probability, the container will assume a differentposition following the momentary energization or tumble impulse andallow an additional portion of the material to fall toward the bottom ofthe container. This antiadhesion system is disclosed in greater detailin the copending application Serial No. 471,035 tiled by John C.Mellinger on July 12, 1965, entitled Method and Apparatus forCentrifugal Extraction and assigned to the assignee of the instantinvention.

The fluid extraction operation may include additional spin operationsseparated by a redistribution of fabrics. The additional spin operationsmight include a distribution portion, a spin portion, and a pause andtumble impulse portion, but could exclude the spin impulse. In theinstant embodiment three additional spin operations are included asindicated in FIGURE 9. During the final spin operation, means areprovided for optionally applying heat to the fabrics within thecontainer 95. A heater 344 is energized only after motor 161 reachesswitching speed for operating switch member 326 to contact 329. Closingof switch 326 to contact 329 completes a circuit from power line L1through conductor 341, switch 326 made to contact 329, switch 231, timercontacts 253, 254, conductor 345, switch 229, and through controlthermostat 349 to rel-ay coil 350. Energization of relay coil 350operates switch 351 to the closed position for energizing heater 344between power lines L1 and L2. Since heater relay 350 is energizedthrough the back contacts of starting relay switch 326, which isresponsive to speed of motor 161, and through centrifugal switch 325,which is responsive to speed of motor 160, heater 344 is energized onlywhen both motors 160 and 161 are above their starting speed to insurethat current `limits do not exceed safe levels. This heat during thefinal spin portion is advantageous for improving the etliciency of tiuidextraction and for pre-heating the fabric-s prior to the dryingoperation.

If a wash only operation is selected at the beginning, the machinewould, following the final spin in which heat was applied, proceed into-a cool off period and then stop. During the cool off period motor 160is operable for tumbling the fabrics for a period of approximately threeminutes, for example.

If, however, a complete wash and dry operation is selected at thebeginning, the machine proceeds to dry the materials within container 95following the final spin. Motor 160 continues to tumble the fabrics bythe circuit as previously indicated. Heater 344 is energized uponenergization of relay coil 350, which has been energized by a circuitfrom power line L1 through switch 230, timer contacts 254, 255,conductor 345, switch 229, control thermostat 349 and throughcentrifugal switch 325 to conductor 290. Energization of relay 350closes switch 351 to energize heater 344 between power lines L1 and L2.After four minutes of heat on, for example, an automatic dry controltermination means 354 is energized and time motor 239 is deene'rgized.This dry control system is responsive to direct determinati-on of thedryness or electrical conductivity of the fabrics so as to obtainreliable shutoff of the drying operation. This control system includes aplurality of sensing members such as electrodes 355, 356 which arefastened to the front wall 74 of outer tub 24 openly facing andprotruding into the interior of container 95. They are positioned so asto be contacted by tumbling fabrics but are spaced from wall 104 -ofcontainer 95 to prevent contact by the fabrics while they are plasteredto container 95 as during the extraction operation.

Electrodes 355 and 356 may be connected in the circuit as shown inFIGURE 8. Electrodes 355 and 356 have opposite polarity so that uponcontact by fabrics the circuit may be completed therethrough. Thesensing device is energized from line 289 through conductor 359 to aphotoelectric cell 360 and half-wave rectifier 361. A D.C. circuitcontinues from rectifier 361 through resistor 364 to one side of neontube 365, capacitor 366, and to electrode 356. When electrodes 355 and356 are contacted by wet fabrics, a circuit is completed therebetweenand continuing through resistor 369, conductor 376, contacts 269, 270,and to conductor 290. The conduction through the fabrics c-ontactingelectrodes 355 and 356 maintain the capacitor 366 discharged, neon tube365 nonfiring, and photoelectric cell 360 nonconductive. As the fabricsbecome less wet the rate of discharge through the fabrics becomes lowerand the net charge on the capacitor 366 increases toward that requiredfor firing neon tube 365. This condition continues until the fabricsbetween electrodes 355 and 356 reach a predetermined condition ofdryness at which they are substantially nonconductive.

The dry fabrics do not, therefore, effect a discharg-` ing of thecapacitor 366 and it thus becomes gradually charged to a predeterminedlevel for causing neon tube 365 to fire. Photoelectric cell 360 in turnbecomes conductive for energizing relay coil 371 to close switches 379and 380 for maintaining coil 371 energized and for bypassing open timercontacts 267, 268. Timing motor 239 is thereby energized for initiatingtermination of the drying operation. After completion of a period ofcooloff controlled by the timing mechanism, the washerdrier will becomedeenergized land the basket will be allowed to come to a rest.

If, however, a load of fabrics remains adhered to wall 164 of container95 following the fluid extraction operation, because of |an abnormalload, for example, the adhered fabrics will not contact the electrodesand in the absence of conductive fabrics shorting the electrodes thesystem will ignore the dryness condition of the fabrics and allowcapacitor 366 to charge and relay coil 371 to energize for initiatingtermination -of the drying operation. This premature termination willprevent the drying or baking of the adhered fabric-s.

Also, if a portion of a load of fabrics remains adhered to the containerwall, the dry control termination system will sense the dryness of thatportion of the load which is freely tumbling and contacting theelectrodes 355 and 356 and will initiate termination of the dryingoperation at the predetermined condition of dryness of the tumblingfabrics while ignoring the condition of the adhered fabrics. Thisoperation thus insures proper drying of tumbling fabrics whilepreventing drying or baking of adhered fabrics.

If a damp dry cycle is selected at the beginning of the washingoperation, switch member 232 would have been closed to place resistors374 and 375 in the circuit to effect a more rapid firing of capacitor366 with a result that the fabrics would be less dry. Also, if a lowertemperature is desired for the drying operation, switch 229 may beopened to place thermostat 346 in the circuit.

In summary it is seen that the instant application `describes awasher-drier combination unit which has im- 14 proved features foperation including a unique two inotor drive system for providing animproved cycle of operations to achive improved fabric treatments.

This laundry apparatus includes a new combination of elements which havea cooperative interrelationship that achieves a degree of efficiency andconsistency of results in washing and drying fabrics not heretoforerealized in a single unit. This is a unit in which maximum fluidextraction is achieved through the provision for an 1assureddistribution operation yet reduces the problems of fabrics adhering tothe wall of the washing container through the provision for anantiadhesion operation. There is greater assurance that fabrics willtumble freely during the drying operation so as to achieve optimumperformance of the automatic dry termination system. If, however,fabrics remain adhered to the wall, operation Will be automaticallyinterrupted. The plurality of speeds required for these specializedoperations as well as for the tumble and extraction operations are allprovided by a drive system including only two motors, a two-stage belttransmission, and an overrunning clutch under control of a sequencecontrol mechanism.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed,these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not forpurposes of limitation. Changes in form and the proportion of parts, aswell as the substitution of equivalents are contemplated, ascircumstances may suggest or render expedient, without departing fromthe spirit or scope of this invention as further defined in thefollowing claims.

I claim:

1. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a nonvertical axis and having a wall member and an access forreceiving fabrics to be washed and dried therein; means for providingwashing fluids to said container means; means for drying fabrics in saidcontainer means; drive means for rotating said container means at aplurality of speeds to perform said complete washing and drying cycle ofoperations; control means including sequencing means and circuit meanscooperable Vtherewith for selectively energizing said drive means toeffect a series of operations including 'a final fluid extractionoperation, and a tumble dry operation; and means for terminating saidtumble dry operation including electrode means positioned in saidcontainer means operative for interrupting operation of said apparatusresponsive to the absence of Wet tumbling fabrics contacting saidelectrodes.

2. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means f-or supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a non-vertical laxis and -having a wall member and an access forreceiving fabrics to be washed and dried therein; means for providingwashing fluids to said container means; means for drying fabrics in saidcontainer means; drive means for rotating said container means at aplurality of speeds to perform said complete washing and drying cycle ofoperations; control means including sequencing means and circuit meanscooperable therewith for selectively energizing said drive means toeffect a series of operations including a final fluid extractionoperation, and a tumble dry operation; means for terminating said tumbledry operation including electrode means positioned in said containermeans for selective response to a predetermined dry condition of thetumbling fabrics and to a condition of nontumbling of said fabricsduring said tumble dry operation for initiating termination thereof.

3. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operation-s, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a nonvertical axis and having a circumferential wall memberradially disposed from said axis and further having an `access forreceiving fabrics to be washed and dried therein; means for providingWashing fluids to said container means; means for drying fabrics in saidcontainer means; drive means for rotating Said container means at aplurality of speeds to perform said complete washing and drying cycle ofoperations; control means including sequencing means and circuit meanscooperable therewith for selectively energizing said drive means toeffect a series of operations including a final fluid extractionoperation, and `a tumble dry operation; said control means being furtheroperative for energizing said drive means for first accelerating saidcontainer means toward a spin speed prior to said final `extractionoperation to remove limited quantities of fiuids and then effectingstopping of said container in a first 'position and then a secondposition to improve releasibility of fabriqs from said wall member; andmeans for terminating said tumble dry operation including electrodemeans positioned in said container means and inwardly spaced from saidwall member thereof for contact by said fabrics when said fabrics aretumbling and responsive to noncontact by nontumbling wet fabrics forinitiating termination of said tumble dry operation to achieve drying ofsaid tumbling fabrics to a ypredetermined dry condition whilesubstantially preventing drying of fabrics adhering to said containerwall member.

4. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a nonvertical axis and having a circumferential wall memberradially disposed from said axis and further having an access forreceiving fabrics to be washed and dried therein; means for providingwashing fiuids to said container means; means for drying fabrics in saidcontainer means; drive means for rotating said container means at ayplurality of speeds to perform said complete washing and drying cycleof operiations, `said drive means comprising ybelt transmission meansincluding a first stage speed reduction means and a second stage speedreduction means, clutch means operatively located between said first andsaid second stage speed reduction means, first motor means drivinglyconnected to said first stage speed reduction means and operative fordriving said container means at a relatively slow speed through saidfirst and second stage speed reduction means and said clutch means,pulsing means for cyclically energizing said first motor means to drive:said container means at a speed relatively close to said :slow speed,and second motor means drivingly con- :nected through said clutch meansfor driving said second :stage speed reduction means and thereby saidcontainer :means at at least one relatively fast extraction speed-whereby said container means is operable at at least lthree speedsincluding tumble, distribution, and extracltion; control means includingsequencing means operative for programming said laundry apparatusthrough a predetermined series of operations including a tumble washoperation, a distribution operation, -a final extraction operation, anda tumble dry operation; means included 1n said control means forenergizing said second motor to accelerate said container toward arelatively high spin speed for removing limited quantities of fiuidsyprior to said final extraction operation; and means for terminatingsaid tumble dry operation including electrode means posi- IOIlCd fOr@9.111391 b y 5.3i@ fumbled fabrics and responsive to noncontact bynontumbling wet fabrics for initiating termination of said tumble dryoperation.

S. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a non-vertical axis and having a circumferential wall memberradially disposed from said axis and further having an access forreceiving fabrics to be washed and dried therein; means for providingwashing fluids to said container means; means for drying fabrics in saidcontainer means; `drive means for rotating said container means at aplurality of speeds to perform said complete washing and drying cycle ofoperations, said drive means including a first and a second motorconnected to said container means by a pair of alternate drive paths;control means including sequencing means and circuit means cooperabletherewith for selectively energizing said first and second motors toeffect a series of operations including a timed distribution operation,a final fiuid extraction operation, `and a tumble dry operation, saidcircuit means further including switch means operable for initiatingenergization of said second motor prior to said final extractionoperation for accelerating said container toward a relatively high spinspeed for removing limited quantities of fluids; means responsive tooperation of said second motor at said relatively high spin speed forinterrupting energization thereof and effecting stopping of saidcontainer in a first position, said switch means Kbeing then operativefor energizing said first motor for a short period of time to rotatesaid container means from said first position to a second positionwhereby said container means is stopped at a plurality of positions atwhich the fabrics may fall free from the upper portion of said containermeans; and means for terminating said tumble dry operation includingelectrode means positioned in said container means spaced from said wallmember thereof for contact by said tumbling fabrics and spaced from saidfabrics when said fabrics are positioned as during the extractionoperation, said termination means being responsive to a predeterminedcondition of dryness of said tumbling fabrics for initiating terminationof said drying operation.

6. In a laundry apparat-us for performing a complete Washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing on said base member; perforatecontainer means rotatably mounted in said casing means and having anaccess for receiving fabrics to be washed and dried therein; means forproviding washing fluids to said container means; means for dryingfabrics in said container means; drive means for rotating said containermeans at a plurality of speeds to perform said complete washing anddrying cycle of operations, said drive means comprising transmissionmeans having a first stage speed reduction means and a second stagespeed reduction means, clutch means operatively located between saidfirst and said second stage speed reduction means, first motor means`drivingly connected to said first stage speed reduction means andoperative for driving said container means at a relatively slow speedthrough said first and second stage speed reduction means and saidclutch means, means associated with said first motor means forcooperating therewith to selectively drive said container means at aspeed relatively close to said slow speed, and second motor meansdrivingly connected to said second stage speed reduction means andoperative Ifor driving said container means at at least one relativelyfast extraction speed; sequencing means operative for programming saidlaundry apparatus through a predetermined series of operations includingdistribution operation, a final extraction operation, and a tumble idryoperation; means for energizing said second motor to accelerate saidcontainer to- Ward a relatively high spin speed and thereby removelimited quantities of fluids prior to said final extraction operation,said sequencing means being further cooperable with said energizingmeans `for effecting a timed pause and a short timed energization ofsaid -first motor to stop said container at a first position and then asecond position `for providing a plurality of positions at which thefabrics may fall free from the upper portion of said container means;and means for terminating said tumble dry operation including electrodemeans positioned for contact `by said fabrics when tumbled and fornoncontact by said fabrics when said fabrics are positioned as duringextraction, said termination means being responsive to a predeterminedcondition of dryness of said tum-bling fabrics for initiatingtermination of said tumble dry operation and further responsive to acondition of nontumbling of said fabrics during said tumble dryoperation for interrupting operation of said apparatus.

7. In a laundry apparatus yfor performing a complete Washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a `base member; casingmeans; means for sup-v porting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a nonvertical axis and having a circumferential wall memberradially disposed from said axis and further having an access lforreceiving fabrics to be Washed and dried therein; vmeans .for providingwashing fluids to said container means; means for drying fabrics in saidcontainer means; drive means for rotating said container means at aplurality of speeds to perform said complete Washing and drying cycle ofoperations, said drive means comprising belt transmission meansincluding driving said second stage speed reduction means and therebysaid container means at at least one relatively fast extraction speedwhereby said cointainer means is operable at at least three speedsincluding tumble, distri- .bution, and extraction; control meansincluding sequencing means operative `for programming said laundryapparatus through a predetermined `series of operations, said series ofoperations including a tumble wash operation, a distribution operation,a final extraction operation, and a tumble dry operation; means includedin said control means for energizing said second motor to acceleratesaid container toward a relatively high spin speed for removing limitedquantities of fluids prior to said final extraction operation, saidcontrol means lbeing f-urther operable for deenergizing said secondmotor and after a timed pause energizing said first motor for apredetermined short period of time and then deenergizing it to effectstopping of said container at a first position and then a secondposition to provide a plurality of positions at which the fabrics mayfall free from the upper portion of said container means; and means forterminating said tumble dry operation including electrode meanspositioned for contact by tumbling fabrics and responsive to aIpredetermined condition of dryness of said tumbling fabrics Iforinitiating termination of said drying operation and 'further responsiveto a condition of nontumbling of said fabrics during said tumble dryoperation for deenergizin-g said laundry apparatus to prevent drying offabrics adhering to said container Wall member.

8. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dry-ingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means upon said ybase mem-ber;perforate container means rotatably mounted in said casing means andhaving an access -for receiving fabrics to 'be washed and dried therein;means for providing washing fluids to said container means; means fordrying fabrics in said container means; first drive means for rotatingsaid container means at a plurality of relatively slow speeds, saidfirst drive means comprising belt transmission means including atwo-stage speed reduction means drivingly connected to said containermeans; second drive means operative for -driving said container at aplurality of relatively fast extraction speeds; clutch means responsiveto operation of said second drive means for effecting overrunnin'goperation of said first drive means; control means including sequencingmeans operative for programming said laundry apparatus through apredetermined series of operations, said series of operations includinga distribution operation prior to an extraction operation, andantiadhesion operation, a final fluid extraction operation, and a tumbledry operation; means for effecting a spin impulse to accelerate saidcontainer means to a relatively high spin speed for removing limitedquantities of fluids prior to said final extraction operation; means foreffecting a pause and a tumble impulse subsequent to said spin impulseto effect stopping of said container means at a first position and thenfollowing said tumble impulse at a second stopped position to provide aplurality of positions at which the `fabrics may fall -free from theupper portion of said container means; and means for terminating saidtumble dry operation including electrode means positioned i-n saidcontainer means for contact by said tumbled fabrics and .for noncontact'by said fabrics when said fabrics are positioned as during extraction,said termination means being responsive to a predetermined condition ofdryness of the tumbling fabrics for initiating termination of saidtumble dry operation and 'further operative for terminating operation ofsaid apparatus responsive to a condition of nontum-bling of said fabricsduring said tumble dry operation.

9. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a non-vertical axis and having a circumferential wall memberradially disposed from said axis and further having an acess forreceiving fabrics to be Washed and dried therein; means for providingwashing fluids to said container means; means for drying fabrics in saidcontainer means; drive means for rotating said container means at aplurality of speeds to perform said complete Washing and drying cycle ofoperations, said drive means comprising belt transmission meansincluding a first stage speed reduction means and a second stage speedreduction means, clutch means operatively located between said first andsaid second :stage speed reduction means, first motor means drivinglyconnected to said first stage speed reduction means and operative fordriving said container means at a relatively slow speed through saidfirst and said second stage speed reduction means and said clutch means,and second motor means drivingly connected to said second stage speedreduction means and operative for driving said container means at arelatively fast extraction speed; control means including sequencingmeans operative for programming said laundry apparatus through apredetermined series of operations including tumble wash, antiadhesion,fluid extraction, and tumble dry; and means for terminating said tumbledry operation including electrode means positioned in said containermeans and spaced from said Wall member thereof so as to be contacted bysaid fabrics when said fabrics are tumbling, said termination meansbeing responsive to a predetermined condition of dryness 19 of saidtumbling fabrics and to a condition of non-tumbling of said fabricsduring said tumble dry operation for interrupting operation of saidlaundry apparatus.

10. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a base member; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a nonvertical axis and having a wall circumferential member and anaccess for receiving fabrics to be washed and dried therein; means forproviding washing fluids to said container means; means includingelectric heating means for drying fabrics in said container means; drivemeans for rotating said container means at a plurality of speeds toperform said complete washing and drying cycle of operations, said drivemeans including a first motor energizable for rotating said containermeans at at least one relatively slow speed for tumbling said fabricsand further including a second motor for rotating said container meansat at least one relatively high speed for extracting fiuids from saidfabrics; control means included in said control means and includingrelay gramming said laundry apparatus through a series of operationsincluding a distribution operation, a final fluid extraction operation,and a tumble dry operation, said control means including first circuitmeans for energizing said first motor to rotate said container means ata relatively slow speed and further including second circuit meanshaving means responsive to operation of said first motor above apredetermined speed for effecting energization of said second motor; andthird circuit means including in said control means and including relaymeans in parallel connection to said second motor and in seriesconnection to said speed responsive means to insure operation of saidelectrical heating means only after said second motor is operating abovea predetermined speed, means for substantially preventing fabricadhesion to said wall member; and means for terminating said tumble dryoperation including electrode means positioned in said container meansoperative for interrupting operation of said apparatus `selectivelyresponsive to a condition nontumbling of said fabrics during said tumbledry operation and to a predetermined dry condition of tumbling fabricsfor initiating termination of said tumble dry operation.

11. In a laundry apparatus for performing a complete washing and dryingcycle of operations, the combination comprising: a basermember; casingmeans; means for supporting said casing means on said base member;perforate container means mounted in said casing means for rotationabout a nonvertical axis and having a circumferential wall memberradially disposed from said axis and an access for receiving fabrics tobe washed and dried therein; means for providing washing fiuids to saidcontainer means; means for drying fabrics in said container means; drivemeans for rotating said container means at a plurality of speeds, saiddrive means comprising first motor means and including first pulleymeans drivingly fixed thereto, second motor means having a shaft memberextending therefrom, second pulley means rotatably mounted on said shaftmember, third pulley means drivingly fixed to said shaft member, clutchmeans for rotating said third pulley means with said second pulleymeans, first belt means drivingly coupling said first and second pulleymeans to form a first stage speed reduction means, and second belt meansdriven by said third pulley means and drivingly associated with saidcontainer means to form a second stage speed reduction means; firstmeans for energizing said first motor means for driving said containermeans at a plurality of relatively slow speeds through a first drivepath including said first stage speed reduction means, said clutchmeans, and said second stage speed reduction means; second means forselectively energizing said second motor means for driving saidcontainer means at at least one relatively fast speed through a seconddrive path including said second stage speed reduction means; means forsubstantially preventing fabric adhesion to said wall member; and meansfor terminating said tumble dry operation including electrode meanspositioned in said container means operative for interrupting operationof said apparatus responsive to a condition of nontumbling of saidfabrics during said tumble dry operation and to a predetermined drycondition of said tumbling fabrics for initiating termination of saidtumble dry operation.

12. In a laundry apparatus as defined in claim 11 and wherein said firstenergizing means is operable for controlling said first motor to effectoperation at a first speed under steady energization and to effectoperation at a second speed under pulsing energization.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,307,254 1/ 1943Bassett 68-20 2,760,639 8/1956 Haverstock 68--24 X 3,033,014 5/1962Neyhouse et al 68-19 3,055,203 9/1962 Toma 68-12 3,102,407 9/ 1963Stilwell 68-19 X 3,172,277 3/1965 Brukland 68-12 WILLIAM I. PRICE,Primary Examiner,

1. IN A LAUNDRY APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING A COMPLETE WASHING AND DRYINGCYCLE OF OPERATIONS, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: A BASE MEMBER; CASINGMEANS; MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID CASING MEANS ON SAID BASE MEMBER;PERFORATE CONTAINER MEANS MOUNTED IN SAID CASING MEANS FOR ROTATIONABOUT A NONVERTICAL AXIS AND HAVING A WALL MEMBER AND AN ACCESS FORRECEIVING FABRICS TO BE WASHED AND DRIED THEREIN; MEANS FOR PROVIDINGWASHING FLUIDS TO SAID CONTAINER MEANS; MEANS FOR DRYING FABRICS IN SAIDCONTAINER MEANS; DRIVE MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID CONTAINER MEANS AT APLURALITY OF SPEEDS TO PERFORM SAID COMPLETE WASHING AND DRYING CYCLE OFOPERATIONS; CONTROL MEANS INCLUDING SEQUENCING MEANS AND CIRCUIT MEANSCOOPERABLE THEREWITH FOR SELECTIVELY ENERGIZING SAID DRIVE MEANS TOEFFECT A SERIES OF OPERATIONS INCLUDING A FINAL FLUID EXTRACTIONOPERATION, AND A TUMBLE DRY OPERATION; AND MEANS FOR TERMINATING SAIDTUMBLE DRY OPERATION INCLUDING ELECTRODE MEANS POSITIONED IN SAIDCONTAINER MEANS OPERATIVE FOR INTERRUPTING OPERATION OF SAID APPARATUSRESPONSIVE TO THE ABSENCE OF WET TUMBLING FABRICS CONTACTING SAIDELECTRODES.